Pages

Thursday, 10 October 2013

Upcoming Galas, Future Engagements + Emilia Wickstead Styles

We begin today's post with news of something royal watchers have been eagerly awaiting: upcoming engagements.

The Palace has confirmed the Duchess of Cambridge will attend the 100 Women In Hedge Funds 2013 London Gala for the benefit of her patronage Action on Addiction on Thursday, October 24, the day after Prince George's christening at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace. For some time I have been expecting it to be announced Kate will attend this one. Firstly because of the organisations involved; William, Kate and Harry became joint patrons of 100 Women In Hedge Funds for three years last November and as mentioned above, Kate is patron of Action on Addiction, a cause she is said to feel passionate about. Secondly, the location of the gala couldn't be more suitable, as it will be held in the State Apartments at Kensington Palace.

The largest and longest of the state apartments at Kensington Palace, the King's Gallery hasn't changed much since it was decorated for King George in 1727. The Gallery was used for displaying pictures as well as for exercise and it is dominated by a copy of Van Dyck's portrait of Charles I on horseback at its east end. It is a wonderful choice for the event, tickets for which range in price from £2,000 to £60,000 for platinum donors, who receive a table with 12 seats for the sum.

Visiting Houses and Gardens

Below we see the Cambridges at the 2011 gala at St James's Palace, which raised over £675,000 for the Child Bereavement Charity.

I think this partnership shows how much can be achieved when charities work together - the very purpose of the Charities Forum of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. I expect the event will raise a significant amount for Action on Addiction, while raising its profile. The gala begins at 7.15 pm. with cocktails and dinner is served at 8 p.m.

************

William, Kate and little George have finally moved into Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace after waiting for months of renovations to be completed on Princess Margaret's old residence. All that's left to do is to choose paintings from the Royal Collection to adorn the walls of the 21 room apartment.

Hello! Magazine shares a royal exclusive this week, revealing the couple plan to host a 'glittering winter wonderland gala with a difference'.

Hello! Magazine

The always reliable Richard Palmer shares more on this in his Express story:

'Palace officials are also in discussions for an event, pencilled in for November 26. Details are still being finalised but the plan is for William and Kate to host a winter wonderland themed party inspired by the ice palace in the film Dr Zhivago.

The rock band Bon Jovi, have been lined up to perform in a marquee in the garden at the bash. Guests will be asked to pay up to £5,000 each to attend a champagne reception in the King's Gallery before dinner. It will be in aid of Centrepoint, the homeless charity which Princess Diana became so fond of and her son William now represents as patron.'

The 'ice palace' from Dr Zhivago.

Flavorwire

Moving forward, it appears the young royals plan to use the state apartments for official functions restoring Kensington Palace to its former glory as a royal powerbase.

'The state apartments, which are open to businesses and individuals to hire for parties, will now increasingly be available for functions involving any of William, Kate and Harry's chosen charities. "So long as there is a member of the Royal family in attendance," says an aide.'

With two galas at Kensington Palace in the offing, what will the Duchess elect to wear? It's always fun to take a look at possibilities from Kate's favourite designers. Below we look at the Roland Mouret Sibony Crepe and Lace Gown; the black lace inset adds another dimension to the elegant dress. Kate looked fabulous in the designer's 'Lombarde' gown (as seen above) and I'd love to see her in another of his creations. We also see Roland Mouret's fuchsia Rosata Gown and the classic Kordel Lace and Hammered-Satin Gown.

Speaking of safe bets, a bespoke Alexander McQueen or Jenny Packham could very well make an appearance. Do you have any designer predictions?

************

In other engagement news, this year's Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph takes place on November 10. Kate will be joined on the balcony by the Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Cornwall, while Prince William will lay a wreath. It will mark the third consecutive year the Duchess has attended.

There's been talk on Twitter regarding an engagement for Kate on 6th of December, likely a medals parade with the Irish Guards. By all accounts it appears this one is scheduled for the Duchess, although we won't know positively until two weeks or so in advance when the Palace confirms it.

Chris Hanes Twitter Feed

Moving on to 2014, it is believed one of Kate's first engagements next year will be a trip to Scotland to open its first branch of The Art Room, of which the Duchess is patron. It will be based at the Wester Hailes Education Centre from January. Sources close to the charity confirmed Her Royal Highness is expected to cut the ribbon early next year. WHEC headteacher Sheila Paton said: "We have heard the Duchess intends to visit the centre, it is certainly our understanding and we are all quite excited."

Why are a number of these engagements unconfirmed? The Palace usually waits until two weeks before the event to officially make any announcement due to security reasons.

As you can see, Kate's calendar is slowly filling up and I believe we'll be seeing an increase in the Cambridges' official appearances now they have moved to London and William has left the military. It's an exciting time for the new parents and their charities.

************

We complete today's post with a look at the latest collection available to purchase by one of Kate's 'go to' designers, Emilia Wickstead. We have readers who adore Ms. Wickstead's creations while others are on the fence and feel the garments lack 'polish' and correct tailoring. I think Kate has a good relationship with the designer and will continue to wear her clothing for official events.

The first piece I noticed was the Amalia Prince of Wales Dress. Emilia Wickstead transforms Prince of Wales check with her Amalia dress. The voluminous silhouette has a deep v back.

85 comments:

I hope someone, maybe the blogger, can clarify the term "apartment" as it's used in the UK. I think it's vastly different from what we here in the States consider an "apartment," which is a smaller rental unit for housing, which I understand to be a "flat" in the UK and the EU. Apartment, as it's been used to describe the royal residences, seems to denote much larger, grander rooms and residences? Thanks! Also, it'll be interesting to see whether Kate continues to recycle from her wonderful existing wardrobe or whether she goes down the Diana road and orders all bespoke dresses and gowns now. I, for one, would like to see the former, not the latter. I hope she continues to recycle the beautiful, classic pieces she already owns and continues to shop off the rack and patronize brands that we all can afford and wear. It's her shopping off the rack and wearing of (mostly!) affordable pieces that has made her so reachable and relatable to the public.

Apartment defines a separate accomodation unit within Kensington Palace. It is not a separate dwelling and therefore in the Uk is not a house or even mansion. In this case it is 21 rooms within the palace complex.

I think recycling could be an issue in that at one stage she was very slim and it would take time for those dresses to fit after a pregnancy. I don't think any pressure is being put on Catherine at all to get back to her "smallest" self so we may see something new.

Great post as usual, thank you so much. Just would like to add that the Gallery for the charity event on October 24 is in rooms that are available for hire - not their private apartments. These rooms are run by Historic Royal Palaces which is a charity. web address

http://www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace/

Interesting selection of dresses but I disappointed by the Emilia Wickstead collection. And I am not surprised at my reaction - she may be able to design but the workmanship is not up to standard.

Frankly the mercy skirt is a disgrace for a designer to publish - dippy hemline, uneven waist line and in need of a good press. The Amalia PoW dress is just as bad - what was she thinking! Bat Woman could wear to coat and still fly.

The one redeeming item is the pink faux pearl embellished skirt. But I don't think its Catherine's style.

She could wear any of the Mouret, Of the matches/Net a porter examples - all of those except, I think No 2 which is a tad fussy with 2 straps either side - one would work for Catherine. Nos 3 or 4 of the Temperley but my preference is number 4 (3 is too similar to other items in her wardrobe) as I love the simplicity of it and the colour - starlit sky.

It's a brilliant idea to open up the King's Gallery in the state apartments at KP now that William and Kate have moved in to 1A.Really will give all the events glamour, and they will be able to raise enormous sums.

The Winter Wonderland Party will be a much sought after ticket!

I always wonder why you are willing to pay 60,000 for a platinum table and still have to sit on spindly uncomfortable chairs. But if I thought I'd see the Royal Couple, I probably would be too excited about the whole thing to mind much!

Great post! For the past few days I've been googling Kate looking for new news. Yet I always get the best news from here! I cant wait for the engagments esp the Gala's @ KP! I just hope there are some new engaments closer together! January is so far away, so is November. I was slightly disappointed that Kate didnt go to the football game at Buckingham Palace(?) with William. Speaking of William, didn't I read that William only watched 20mins of the game. why would he spend months planning this thing but not watch the whole thing?! That doesn't make since to me. I could be wrong but I thought thats what I read.

Thank you so much for your comment. This month we have the 18,23 and 24 and for November there's the 10 and 26, I'm sure more engagements will be announced for Kate, it's almost always two weeks in advance.

Emily- I highly doubt that William only spent 20 minutes watching the football games. He gave out hundred something medals and if you seen any of the photos he was dressed in warm ups and soccer shoes. It also showed him playing with the guys. He did leave long enough to change his clothes. Where did you read that he only stayed 20 minutes?

And why would Kate attend. If she did attend all the attention woudl be focused on her and that is not what she would want. And she has her baby to take care of. Remember they are hands on parents. They do have a nanny but not full time.

Pauline, I just looked up the articule again WKW posted it from the telgraph.uk. It stated that he watched only 20mins of the game. Why wouldnt she go? She is a sports fan. She would be gone only a couple hrs from Prince Georgie, a handes on parent can enjoy a few hrs away from the baby. Also I do not belive Kate would have stole the show is she went.

Hi Emily- I think any where the Duchess goes the media make's her the focus. It is not her fault but that is just how the damn media works. Yes she is a big sports fan but I think she did the right thing by staying away. I am sure William was find with that. You know she might have watch from afar.

I agree that parents need a break from their kids but by what I have read the Duchess really does not like being away from her baby boy very much. And I don't blame her.

Yes, he spent 20 mins watching as a spectator, but that doesn't take into consideration the full coverage in The Telegraph. This was a lengthy event. William organized the match, he met with the players prior to the match and gave a speech, and he also played at some point. And earlier in the day, he paid tribute to some football heroes by honoring 150 volunteers at a Palace reception. And this doesn't include all the time spent prior to the day itself.

As far as Kate not attending, this is not surprising. William is the president of the Football Association. ALL royal couples do joint and separate engagements. This is nothing new. There will be events that they each attend on their own as it translates into more focus on the charity which is what it's all about.

I look forward to seeing more of Kate and learning about the work she does with her charities.

As I look at some of Emilia Wickstead's pieces, I cannot help but wonder how she competes with other designers. The PoW dress is so frumpy and ditto for many of the other pieces. And I'm sorry but they just look un-finished.

The only exceptions, IMO, is the turquoise dress (how stunning that would look with a black patent belt to match the shoes) and the pencil skirt and turtleneck.

The length of some of these clothes look a bit frumpy to me.I hope for day wear that the Duchess continues to choose some "High St." fashions as she mixes those so well.Some of these designers do not seem to have had the tailoring training that should go with the designing.Looking forward to a bit of glitz and glamour at KP, alongside the good works.Thanks for another great blog Charlotte.

Wow Charlotte, you certainly have your hand on the pulse of Kate's engagements and fashion! A little of topic, but I just read that Countess Sophie wasn't invitied to the baptism as Kate & Will have only invitied their closest family and friends. I'm a bit sad if this is true as I was hoping Sophie would be one of Prince George's godparents. She seems so warm and caring. I recall reading that Sophie was very helpful to Kate in the run up to the wedding and would have thought that she certainly would have warranted an invitation if not chosen as a godparent. I guess I'll have to wait until the 23rd to know for sure.

I actually tried on the previous blog about Godparents to point out that the Earl and Countess of Wessex already had a stack of engagements on the day--but it seemed to be one of those that occasionally seem to disappear into the ether.It must be difficult to find a day when all the royal family are available. I would be very surprised if they deliberately did not invite Sophie as pictures of them suggest they are quite close.

Just saw that Countess of Wessex is not expected to attend Christening because other engagements for her have been announced. Same with Princess Anne. A pity if that means former is not in running to be a godmother. She would be ideal, better than the society types William and Kate seem inclined to cultivate or giving a slap in the face to the memory of Diana by including Tiggy.

Ms Charlotte another great post. I was just wondering if William will be with the Duchess for the Hedge Fund engagement. And do you know what other engagements listed that William and the Ducehss with do as a couple? They are so good together. I can't wait until we see pictures of the winter gala. The Duchess will be such a great hostess. She will have everything just right.

On the trip to Scotland I can not see her leaving baby George at home. Is this one that William will attend with her or maybe just go along to babysit George?

Wow I just heard that Sophie will not be at the christening. But her calendar is planned in advance just like any other royal. Maybe Zara will be a god parent???

Also any idea if William & his Duchess will be in attendance at the state dinner coming up at the Palace? I sure hope so then maybe we will see the Duchess in a tiara.

How sad, but not surprising, that the papers are having a field day over Anne and Sophie not being "invited" to the Christening. If Anne will be on an official tour of Canada and Sophie has a day of engagements, then their diaries were not planned after not receiving an invitation. Lol. Most likely, their diaries were planned even before George was born!

This has nothing to do with snubbing or William and Kate going against tradition. It's just the reality of how royals do things. Many of their engagements are planned months ahead. And if William and Kate preferred to have an intimate Christening it's not so radical either; the royal family has been downsizing certain events for some time. The Jubilee balcony appearance that only included the Queen, Charles & Camilla, William & Kate, and Harry is a perfect example.

The way the article is written makes it seem that Anne and Sophie planned their engagements after been notified that they would not be invited. I don't know what to believe ! It is hard to believe that William would snub his family on purpose, but then again, who knows how he *really* feels about them. Anne and Dianan did not get along - that is documented. Sophie is on record saying that Diana behaved badly. How were William and Harry treated by the members of his extended family after they lost their mom ? Were there phone calls, visits, time spent with any of his aunts and uncles ? Did they show real sympathy? Or was there a sigh of relief that went around ? We will never know.. but I suspect that William is the type of person who does not forget. He does not seem close to Edward or Andrew.. perhaps he holds some sort of grudge? Perhaps he holds the whole Royal family responsible for their role in her death, and has not forgiven them ? Now that he has the Middletons we can see the sharp contrast in how he behaves with them vs. how he deals with the Royals.. and that is why there are these questions. He may have been nursing deep wounds for many years but we're only getting insight into it right now. Or maybe he doesn't and the press is just concocting stuff up.

You seem upset about this - dont be. Its certain newspapers having a go at the BRF, hoping that the general public dont know the facts.

Royal engagements are planned about 6 months in advance. Anne is going to Canada on an official visit on behalf of the Queen. That hasn't been planned in the last few months, let alone the last few weeks. I have known about Sophie's engagements since before the announcement of the christening. All of this is public information. So the newspaper reports are making mischief.

But then, on a practical note, how many great aunts and uncles go to christenings anyway?

Portia, you ask many questions that I ask myself. :) Engagements really do take months if not more to plan, and I do believe that they are continuing the current theme of downsizing.

Having said that, I also have to admit that I am not terribly sad to see that Anne won't be there. The reaction she had to George's birth was far from warm and fuzzy. I am happy to wish her well on her trip to Canada.

And I also have to admit to not being surprised or upset that Sophie was not chosen as a godparent. She came along at a time when Diana was a thorn in the royal family's side and from everything I have read Sophie went along with that view (granted it was the only way she would have survived within the family, but still...).

I agree that William doesn't forget. I am not suggesting that everything he does or does not do is based on a grudge, and I do believe that he has done and accepted his fair share in order to keep peace in the family. However, I also believe that his mother's circumstances continue to be a major reason behind his determination to do things his way, to the extent that he is able to do so.

Bluhare, I don't think the guest list would fly if the Queen didn't approve. I recall an interview with William where he said he consulted with the Queen about his "suggested" wedding guest list and she told him to rip it up and start over.

Most likely, the christening was discussed with the Queen and they selected a day ahead of time that would suit the senior royals. I don't believe it's any more complicated than that.

I have friends on the other side of the pond and I know for a fact that their guest lists tend to be a lot slimmer than ours in the US. I've attended weddings, christenings, etc. that include everyone right down to the Maytag repairman. Bigger isn't necessarily better, royal or not.

If this has the Queen's blessing, and her own Jubilee celebrations would suggest that it does, then I think it's unfair to criticize William.

I think that those who imply that William harbors some kind of grudge against Sophie going back to remarks Sophie might have made about Diana are way off base. As I recall, he chose Sophie as Kate's mentor at the time of his engagement to help Kate maneuver through the royal waters. I remember his saying explicitly how much he admired Sophie and the way she had adjusted to being a member of the royal family. Furthermore, William and Kate chose Sophie's daughter, Louise, as a little bridesmaid--and Kate, Sophie, and Louise attended at least a couple of Olympic events together.

Portia, you should always take anything you read about the royals in the media with several pounds of salt. They often make things up. The royals are not, truth to tell, the world's most exciting people, and to sell newspapers and magazines, the media "sex them up," by suggesting that royal life is a hotbed of intrigues, jealousies, backstabbing -- you name it. One tabloid editor openly admitted that his paper fabricates royal conflicts and other stories. His view was that they didn't have to be true, just reasonably plausible. The media know the royals are very unlikely to sue.

Hi Bluhare, yes, streamlining has been a major theme for Charles. It does make sense financially as well as making the RF appear less costly to the taxpayer. The Queen must be on board because her Jubilee certainly reflected this theme (given the family member on HM's barge and the balcony appearance).

But sometimes I wonder how popular this has made Charles with his siblings. IMO, Andrew in particular often looks irked at family gatherings. Perhaps he thinks about what Charles has been able to do in his private life (ultimately marrying CPB) vs. the bad press that the York ladies continue to receive. Just MY thoughts.... :)

royalfan, I remember reading that Andrew is not happy about all this, as Charles has told him B&E will have to get jobs. The horror! Personally, I can't stand Andrew; think he's a pompous windbag and pretty much have no opinion on his daughters, but I think the "get jobs" comment must have really sent them reeling.

bluhare, I don't disagree with you. LOL. And IMO it has gotten worse since W&K's engagement and wedding because it pushes the York's farther from the spotlight. He cannot change his rank and proximity to the throne, but he *could* have stepped in a long time ago and not allowed B&E to be introduced by Sarah to the world of the rich and famous. It didn't exactly help their image.

But is it not the case that most of the Royal family has been in attendance for past christenings of monarchs ? Surely they make it work so that there is a large presence from the Royal family. I would understand if one or two people did not show up.. but here it seems that none of William's aunts or uncles will be there.

We do have tons of live videos ( with sound!) of the events (not the actual baptisms, of course, but of all the collateral activity). At Zara's christening, Anne cuddles with Peter while she holds Zara and explains to him the significance of the christening gown. The queen hovers in the background. Precious footage! The video of Harry's christening event is hilarious with Zara and William running around and acting like little wild things just as the whole "party" is readying to enter the sanctuary.

William christening was a private family affair Diana Charles HM Queen prince Phillip and Queen Mother in attendance. I think because the Middletons are part of the new generation of royals they will be in attendance maybe Carole and Michael together with Charles and Camilla. Its not usually televised ala royal wedding style but will and Kate are modern they have already tweeked traddition if u notice im bits here and there.

In the past the family would gather for a photo call and news and media would have live coverage at Buckingham palace. I think this time William and Kate will emerge on the entrance with baby George.

I never notice ladies dresses and such, but kate looks good in the red dress. William looks good in a sharp suit. Tommy Nutter Saville row I reckon. Harry looks terrible in suits. He doesn't look comfortable in them at all. That's his mothers side coming out in him. Diana looked awkward in gowns and dresses until she got older and then she looked sensational.

I'm hoping to see kate in a trouser suit once in a while and some slick biege shoes for everyday work wear. But to be honest she looks good in anything she personally puts together. She has a great figure and great legs. Her hair she needs to put up on formal occasions. She keeps flicking the fringe behind her ears like a nervous schoolgirl. Its irritating to see doing all the time. Maybe im guessing as she gets older she will shorten her hair. Older women I notice tend to do that.

I like the fact there's to be a winter ball at Kensington palace on the theme of Dr Zhivago. Its one of my all time favourite films. Ive watch it a million times. I fell in love with Julie Christie. She was so beautiful. I like everything historical and movie is one of my favourites.

Ive actually been on a guided tour of Kensington palace. Queen Victoria was born there and became queen at 18 years old. Apparently lord Melbourne yhe then prime minister prostrated himself at her feet and cried "God save the Queen" in homage to the new monarch. We were shown the exact spot.. He loved her and guided in affairs of state, dame as Winston Churchill did for the young princess Elizabeth when she ascended the throne again at a young age. Queen Anne, princess Margaret and of course Diana lived.

I never notice ladies dresses and such, but kate looks good in the red dress. William looks good in a sharp suit. Tommy Nutter Saville row I reckon. Harry looks terrible in suits. He doesn't look comfortable in them at all. That's his mothers side coming out in him. Diana looked awkward in gowns and dresses until she got older and then she looked sensational.

I'm hoping to see kate in a trouser suit once in a while and some slick biege shoes for everyday work wear. But to be honest she looks good in anything she personally puts together. She has a great figure and great legs. Her hair she needs to put up on formal occasions. She keeps flicking the fringe behind her ears like a nervous schoolgirl. Its irritating to see doing all the time. Maybe im guessing as she gets older she will shorten her hair. Older women I notice tend to do that.

I like the fact there's to be a winter ball at Kensington palace on the theme of Dr Zhivago. Its one of my all time favourite films. Ive watch it a million times. I fell in love with Julie Christie. She was so beautiful. I like everything historical and movie is one of my favourites.

Ive actually been on a guided tour of Kensington palace. Queen Victoria was born there and became queen at 18 years old. Apparently lord Melbourne yhe then prime minister prostrated himself at her feet and cried "God save the Queen" in homage to the new monarch. We were shown the exact spot.. He loved her and guided in affairs of state, dame as Winston Churchill did for the young princess Elizabeth when she ascended the throne again at a young age. Queen Anne, princess Margaret and of course Diana lived there too..

Large chain bookstores usually sell foreign magazines. Barnes and Noble is a good suggestion. If you live near a large university, you might try the magazine section in their bookstore, since university bookstores often stock foreign publications for foreign students and staff. A large newsstand near a university will often do the same. When I lived in Princeton, NJ, the local newsstand and the Princeton University bookstore both sold "Hello," and until the Borders chain closed, the one nearest me in the University of Chicago neighborhood always had it.

Barnes and Noble almost always has it at its branches. A fair number of magazine stores and and independant bookstores that carry magazines have it too. I've called Hello's subscription service without too much problem using inexpensive phone services and they have most recent back issues. Also can get back issues on Ebay and Ebay UK often inexpensively, although shipping can be higher.

I think that William giving Kate Diana's ring is way better than some empty chair at the wedding. That would have been a real low point of the wedding IMO. Her ring is almost always on her finger and in many photos daily. I think of Diana sometimes when I notice her ring and the sapphire and diamond earrings that were Diana's. Kate wears those often. Funny, William seemed to have picked two very prominent places to put daily reminders of his mother.

Also, I agree that they are streamlining the royal protocol. Having the Queen, Phillip, Charles, Camilla, William, Kate and Harry on the balcony that day was not just a coincidence. That was a planned visual statement. And, did William and Kate attend the christenings of any of their nieces or nephews? Granted George is the one who will be king, but in recent history I don't believe there has been a crowd at those christenings. How many people attended William's christening, does anyone know?

I think it is admirable, and good PR, for William and Kate to host hospitality events at KP so soon after moving into apartment 1A. Good way to assuage all the complainers and naysayers and help others through the fundraisers at the same time. Kudos to them.

I think they are quite brave to live at KP with their baby. It is a very public place and they are certainly high profile as far as security would be concerned. Can you imagine having to have metal mesh curtains designed to specifically minimize any damage caused by shattered glass. I spoke with a girl who was flying the same flight to San Diego with me and she was a chemistry student at St. Andrews who was heading home to San Diego for Christmas break. She lives in St. Salvador's Hall at St. Andrews, the same hall that William and Kate lived in their first year at St. Andrew's. I asked her who was living in William's old room there and she said their dorm mother was. I asked if it still had any of the security measures that had been put in for William still intact and she said yes, including a bomb proof toilet. So, you can imagine the security measures they have in place at KP.I think they are brave people. Even going up to the crowds and shaking their hands takes love and courage. Again, kudos (and hugs) to them. :)

We should all write to Kate and encourage her in every way, AND ask her to please wear a tiara soon. :)

Anon 15:42, I agree with everything you've written. :) Especially regarding the significance of the jewelry. The pieces are a beautiful and vivid reminder indeed.

I had trouble copying a link but it appears that William's christening wasn't as grand as the fuss over George's christening would suggest.

The following people attended: Princess Anne and her husband, the Queen, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, Diana's parents and maternal grandmother, Prince Edward (Andrew was in the Falkland Islands) and the 6 godparents (plus Princess Alexandra's husband).

I don't know who attended but I did read that thirty guests were invited. It would seem surprising if the spouses of godparents who include the former queen of Greece, the Duke of Westminster and Penny, the wife of Baron Brabourne (the queen is said to be very fond of her and has continued to invite her, now the couple are separated) weren't invited. Also wonder if Diana's siblings and their spouses (her brother was only a teenager then) weren't there.

Often wonder about public relations and the palace. All they would have had to do is release a statement that Anne and Sophie were invited but regret that they are unable to attend due to prior commentments and the whole fuss would have blown over. William is royal, he is not like the rest of us, and people are always going to be looking closely at what he does. Making tactful and tasteful decisions based on that, is important. Anne and Sophie are very hard working royals and the latter has really built herself up after a rocky start. She would have been an ideal godparent for George who at the end of the day is going to need to look to people like her about how to go on. A pity.

Can't think it has anything to do with Diana. Tiggy and Camilla and her family would be the first in line of people who hurt her and William has never shown any signs of snubbing them for that. Camilla's granddaughter and Tiggy's son were in the wedding party. (As was Louise.)

Heard that Middletons are invited to Norfolk for Xmas by queen. Think that's nice but hope she is doing this because she wants to, not because William threatened not to come so the queen was pressured into it. Has come out that she was not happy with Kate going home when baby was born, for the public expense if no other reason. There are very delicate balances to being royal. Just ask the once wildly popular Edward VIII.

Assuming that the Middleton's were invited to Sandringham (who knows...it could be a non-story made up by the press), I sincerely doubt that William forced the Queen into it. IF the invitation was extended, wouldn't it be *the* perfect response to the idea that William and Kate disregarded tradition and snubbed the Queen last year by spending Christmas with the Middleton's.

Camilla moved her father into Clarence House even before she and Charles were married and Sophie's father lives with her so I think it's rather unfair for the press to come down on the Middleton's every time they take a sip of tea from a royal teacup.

Emilia Wickstead has really been channeling Christian Dior of late. Her recent pieces have a strong 1950's (not 1960's) feeling to them. I certainly can see the Duchess wearing some of them, with some tweaking.

The Mourets are a disappointment -- he's done much better work -- and I simply can't work up any enthusiasm for most of Temperley's overembellished, overembroidered, just generally overdone designs. I do own an Alice by Temperley dress, but it seems to be one of the few relatively simple pieces she's designed.

Charlotte will you be writing the royal digest blog again in the future? I live in Australia and it is so hard to find news on royals apart Will and Kate. I loved your blog, your daily news round ups and royal history entries.

Thank you so much for commenting. I thoroughly enjoy royal blogging and do hope to write it again in the future, but not until I can devote enough time to keep it up to date and informative as there are so many royals to cover in a general royal blog. Thank you so much for your interest, I am very pleased you enjoyed it.

Darn my message didn't go through again. No time now but , thank you Charlotte on the up dates. Looking forward to them all. Hope George is resting , growing strong and bringing a lot of joy to his parents and all around him.

Hi Charlotte , using phone. Robin has had problems too. Well now that I think about it maybe I was using my Kindle. Oh well. Mostly just want you to know we are always so happy to have your latest posts. Hugs and have a great weekend!!!

I do not understand why everyone is up in arms on who is and is not invited to baby Georges christening. I does not matter if he is the 3rd in line to the throne, it is up to his parents on who they want to attend. William & Kate (mostly Wiiliam) is doing things his way and I like it.

Everyone need's to just relax and let this young couple do things their way. I am sure if the Queen did not approve William would have herd about it. I believe the Queen is letting William do things his way and what is best for his family. If it does not bother the WQueen then why should it bother any of us.

I have sometimes wondered about Andrew and his relationship to Charles. Perhaps if this were another time in the past, Andrew might have mounted an army and challenged Charles' right to sit on the throne. He seems to be fighting desperately not to be left out of the mainline royal family as the "streamlining" takes place.

I loved this post! I'm really looking forward to seeing the pictures from the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala. It will be a gorgeous evening!!! The King's Gallery is amazing and so majestic! Walking through it is one of my favorite parts when visiting KP. I have my picture in front of Van Dyck's portrait of Charles I and it is beautiful. I wanted it just to show the shear size of the painting. Truly is a sight to see. Can't wait!

I LOVED all the gowns above by Mouret, Erdem, and Temperley. Kate will look gorgeous in any of them and I'm looking forward to seeing beautiful pieces for these engagements. Will there ever be a State Dinner invitation from the Queen where we'll see Kate in a tiara? Maybe? Hopefully? As far as Emilia Wickstead, I wish Kate would steer clear of her pieces. They just look so unpolished and frumpy. There's just something not right to me about the tailoring. Just my opinion.

I am so happy Kate's engagement calendar is filling up. Its been a long dry patch since Prince George's birth...completely understandable and thankful she's been with him, but I'm having withdrawals. Really looking forward to seeing Kate's beautiful face and her donning some lovely bespoke pieces!

HelloI read your blog for a year now and I love it! I always can't wait for the next post :) I love how classy, positive, grounded and informative you are. Comments are also interesting since everyone's opinion matteres and is appreciatet, but also varies, which is good I think. It is all decentlly and civilly which I think lacks in our world... However, my day ends with visiting your blog and hopefully reading more about lovely william and kate! Big hug from beautiful Croatia, Zagreb! :)

Comments are most welcome! Constructive discussion is always encouraged but off topic or hateful remarks will not be published.

We ask you use a name when posting (a pseudonym such as the name of a royal you like or anything you wish). If you do not wish to use the sign in options, simply select the "Name/URL" option on the drop down menu and insert your name, and if you wish the country/state you're from. You can leave the URL blank.

If there are a large number of comments, it is necessary to click the 'Load More' button at the end of the comments section to see the latest additions.